Xiaomi and Leica Deepen Imaging Global Partnership; Xiaomi 17 Ultra will Debut with Leica APO telephoto lens, 1-inch main sensor
Xiaomi Group and Leica Camera AG have officially announced an upgraded global imaging partnership, moving from a “joint R&D” approach to a new “strategic co-creation model.” The companies confirmed that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will be the first smartphone developed under this new framework.
Strategic co-creation model -
According to Xiaomi and Leica, the new model represents a deeper, multi-layered collaboration that goes beyond conventional mobile imaging development. Leica’s expertise in professional optics, visual aesthetics, and interactive design will now be embedded into the product development process from the very beginning.
Both brands say the objective is to “fully redefine the mobile imaging experience” by combining their strengths more tightly than was possible under earlier joint research and development efforts.
New optical system and hardware -
A key highlight of the announcement is the introduction of a next-generation optical system. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra will debut the world’s first Leica APO-certified telephoto lens in a smartphone.
Leica APO (apochromatic) lenses are widely regarded as an industry standard for minimizing chromatic aberration and delivering low dispersion with high resolution. Bringing this level of optical performance to a smartphone marks a major step forward for mobile telephoto photography.
Alongside the telephoto lens, the device will also feature a next-generation 1-inch main camera sensor designed specifically for mobile use. Xiaomi claims this combination will enable:
- Noticeable improvements in low-light and night photography clarity
- More accurate detail reproduction in high-contrast scenes
- Greater creative flexibility for telephoto shooting
Availability -
These new imaging capabilities will debut exclusively on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Additional details are expected next week during its China launch, while the global unveiling is anticipated in early March at MWC 2026, following the device’s FCC certification.
Commenting on this, Lu Weibing, Xiaomi Group Partner, President of the Mobile Phone Division, and General Manager of the Xiaomi brand, stated:
The launch of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra this year not only positions Xiaomi at the forefront of the ultra-high-end smartphone segment, but also signifies the completion of the company’s new release strategy, under which all flagship high-end models are introduced within the same year.